Despite not knowing how AFL coaches are planning their Round 1 selections, SuperCoaches have begun to construct their own rookie-filled sides prior to the start of the season.

While coaches will likely have a plethora of new and unfamiliar names circling through their side until Round 1 comes calling, it can be important to lock in the needed names early and aid your budget for the year ahead.

Looking at the players priced equal to or below top draft selection Jason Horne-Francis ($207,300), we take a glance over the most popular rookies ahead of the 2022 AFL season.

Defenders

Young Magpie Will Kelly is entering his fourth season in the AFL and will be looking to add to his three career games. With opportunities opening up at Magpieland, Kelly firms as a profitable addition. Teammate Charlie Dean is another low-price Magpie who could aid your defence, while many coaches will have their fingers crossed 2022 is the year of Will Gould.

Will Kelly ($123,900) - Currently selected in 37%ย of teams

Will Gould ($123,900) - 35%

Charlie Dean ($102,400) - 28%

Sam De Koning (DEF/FWD - $123,900) - 28%

Vic Metro player Charlie Dean fronting the media at Trevor Barker Oval, 2021 (Photo: Mitchell Keating - Zero Digital Media)

Sam Skinner (DEF/FWD - $123,900) - 27%

Garrett McDonagh ($117,300) - 25%

Josh Sinn (DEF/MID - $157,800) - 23%

Nathan O'Driscoll (DEF/MID - $123,900) - 22%

Midfielders

Roos' Pick 1 Jason Horne-Francis have gained great traction ahead of the season, with he and Collingwood draftee Nick Daicos both well placed as contenders to feature in the opening round of the year. Mature-aged Eagles recruit Greg Clark could be the bargain selection in midfield should he be given a good look this year.

Nick Daicos ($193,800) - 61%

Elijah Hollands (MID/FWD - $123,900) - 58%

Jason Horne-Francis ($207,300) - 53%

Greg Clark ($117,300) - 43%

Joshua Rachele (MID/FWD - $184,800) - 29%

Charlie Parker (MID/FWD - $102,400) - 27%

Josh Sinn (DEF/MID - $157,800) - 23%

Nathan O'Driscoll (DEF/MID - $123,900) - 22%

Rucks

While Preuss isn't a rookie, his price bracket is placed among the cheapest options for ruckmen, giving coaches a strong R3 option should they have the cash. Young Roo Charlie Comben frames as another popular buy given his DPP status and promising chances of a Round 1 appearance.

GWS Giants Training Session
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 05: Braydon Preuss of the Giants trains during a Greater Western Sydney Giants AFL training session at Tom Wills Oval on February 05, 2021 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Braydon Preuss ($204,700) - 30%

Sam Hayes ($123,900) - 20%

Charlie Comben (RUC/FWD - $123,900) - 18%

Forwards

Most of the popular cheap forwards hold DPP flexibility, which is sure to aid coaches looking to work their way through the early-mid rounds of the season. Youn Sun Elijah Hollands is among the most selected rookies, and will gain even greater attention should he be selected for Round 1.

Elijah Hollands (MID/FWD - $123,900) - 58%

Joshua Rachele (MID/FWD - $184,800) - 29%

Sam De Koning (DEF/FWD - $123,900) - 28%

Sam Skinner (DEF/FWD - $123,900) - 27%

Charlie Parker (MID/FWD - $102,400) - 27%